Mills County Sheriff seeks help in identifying body

Authorities in southwest Iowa are asking for the public’s help in identifying a body found in a ditch over the weekend. Mills County Sheriff Mack Taylor says the remains of a female were found in tall grass located about a mile north of Highway 34 and within five miles of Interstate 29.

While her age and race are not known, Taylor says she had brown hair tied in a ponytail, and a tattoo of a red rose on her right calf. Officials determined the body had been there for anywhere from two-to six-weeks. They say she was fully clothed, wearing a size-five pair of blue jeans, a dark, extra-large mesh-jersey tank top and white, size-seven tennis shoes.

In addition, Taylor says two gold-colored necklaces were found with the body, each with a cross. One of the crosses had five, inset diamonds. Officials don’t know how she died. Her body was sent to the State Medical Examiner’s office for autopsy. The results aren’t expected back for several weeks. Anyone who thinks they may know the woman, is asked to contact the Mills County Sheriff’s office at 712-527-4871.